Could Cowan-Dickie make his England breakthrough against South Africa?

by The TRU Team Tuesday 8 May 2018

Luke Cowan-Dickie is pushing for an England spot for their tour of South Africa

©PA

Luke Cowan-Dickie could make his international breakthrough against South Africa following Dylan Hartley's season ending concussion issues and TRU contributor Ali Stokes looks at why this could be a chance to shine for the Exeter Chiefs man.

Luke Cowan-Dickie could make his international breakthrough against Rassie Erasmus's Springboks this summer, with Dylan Hartley ruled out with concussion and England boss Eddie Jones set to rest Lions tourist Jamie George.

The 24-year-old overcame an extended period of back-to-back injuries earlier this season and is currently tearing up trees for the Chiefs in the Premiership and Europe.

Exeter hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie hopes to impress England's selectors by helping his club reach a third successive Premiership final.

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— BBC Rugby Union (@bbcrugbyunion) May 2, 2018

Featuring off the bench for all five of his England caps to date, the exciting frontrower has displayed a devastating carrying game that will appeal to Jones' desire for an extra attacking dimension within his matchday squad. With Wasps hooker Tommy Taylor only recently returning from nearly a year out injured and Bath's Tom Dunn yet to prove himself at Test level, Cowan-Dickie looks to be the favourite for the white number two jersey this June.

The Truro-born hooker will face stern competition from the aforementioned Taylor and Dunn as well as Worcester Warriors man Jack Singleton and perhaps even Taylor's Wasps teammate Tom Cruse. Cowan-Dickie's test experience and recent form with the Premiership's reigning champions will surely see him take to the field in Johannesburg on the 9th of June.

Previously converted from prop, Cowan-Dickie possesses a carrying game unrivalled by any in his position and has proven to be an effective breakdown component against the likes of Champions Cup favourites Leinster.

One area the Chiefs man will have to bolster is his lineout. In his first cap for England, Cowan-Dickie had a 0% success rate and has a history of struggling with the accuracy of his darts under the pressure of Test rugby. However, his recent lineout form with Exeter has been exemplary and should it continue with England, it could see him held on equal footing with three times Lions Test starter George within the England ranks.

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Bok Opposition

Should Cowan-Dickie earn England's starting role this June, he will be facing one of the best hookers on the international scene, Malcolm Marx. The Emirates Lions' number two is a potential game breaker and has an abrasive edge synonymous with histories greatest Springboks. The 23-year-old's surprising ball handling ability and work ethic around the park will mean Cowan-Dickie will have to ensure he is at the top of his game to avoid being outplayed by the South Africa star.

England's absentees
With a large contingent of England's first and in some cases second string players set to either be rested or ruled out with injury, a three-test tour to South Africa is starting to appear as a more daunting task than originally thought.

Lions expected to be rested